Botwood shooting: attempted murder charges laid, second suspect at large

One man is in hospital with life-threatening injuries and another is charged following a shooting in a Botwood neighbourhood late Saturday night.

Grand Falls-Windsor RCMP say a 53-year-old Botwood man is facing one count of attempted murder as well as a firearms offence in connection to the shooting that occurred during a home invasionin the community just before midnight.

Neighbours in the area of the shooting say the house is owned byGil Budgell, and a Gilbert Donald Dennis Budgell is set to appear in a St. John's court on Thursday to face attempted murder and firearms charges.

RCMP Cpl. Duane Hoggsaid two men entered the home Saturday night, where one person was inside.

Hogg says one of the suspects received serious injuries during the incident and is currently in hospital in St. John's.

Police are trying to locate asecond suspect, whofled from the scene.

RCMP officers were still at the scene of Gil Budgell'shome on Swanee Pool Road inBotwood on Sunday afternoon.

Local residentstold CBC News the area surrounding the home is usually quiet, but that since the incident there has been a great deal of activity and traffic on Swanee Pool Road.

Officers from the RCMP's Major Crime Unit West, a dog unit, the serious crime unit and forensic ID servicesare assisting with the investigation.

It is believed that this was a targeted incident and there is no risk to public safety at this time.

Police are asking anyone with information to come forward andcall the anonymousCrime Stoppers service.